Raja Ampat Indonesia is one of the favorite vacation destinations for tourists from all over the world. Its nature and underwater stunning scenery are the…

Where Do I Fly for Diving Raja Ampat?

By rai2 on September 9, 2018

Raja Ampat seems to be the dream of many divers around the world. It seems reasonable enough to visit this amazing archipelago deemed as the hidden paradise from West Papua, Indonesia. Its land and sea are rich with biodiversity that will make anybody who visits this place become speechless for its stunning beauty. No wonder that many people would want to visit this remote archipelago and might ask “Where do I fly for Diving Raja Ampat.”

Located in the coral triangle, Raja Ampat islands are rich in coral and marine lives. The 9.8 million acres of land and sea is home to 540 types of corals, more than 1000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. Even better, around 75% of the world’s species can be found here, making this place a dream come true for scuba divers and snorkelers.

The Marine Life You Will See In Raja Ampat Diving

Diving in this hidden gem from easternmost Indonesia will give you the best experience of meeting underwater animals you’ve never before. You might want to pay attention to details though since you might found pigmy seahorses swimming around your fingers. You will also meet Manta Rays and wobbegongs swiftly swim passing you.

Other animals you will meet here are tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, batfish, and even barracudas. Dugong and turtle will be found here too, along with giant sea clams on the sea floor. These animals are found swimming around the stunningly beautiful corals around Raja Ampat diving sites.

Such a large area obviously have a lot of diving and snorkeling spots you can visit. There are Kabui Passage, Friwen Wall, Yenbuba, and many more.

How Can I Go to Raja Ampat?

To reach Raja Ampat, usually, guests should first take a flight to Sorong. There are no international direct flights to Raja Ampat, but there are some flights to Sorong from Jakarta and Makassar. From Sorong airport, then you can continue your journey to Raja Ampat.

From Sorong Airport, you can go to Marinda Airport in Waisai. However, this airport is still under development, and not many airlines go to and from Marinda Airport. There is Wings Air that flies daily between Sorong and Raja Ampat, and Susi Air that fly twice a week. This airport also located relatively far from any facilities, so bring along snacks and drinks with you while waiting for your flight.

There are also ferries available to get you to transfer between Sorong harbor and Waisai. But note that sometimes the schedule can change without prior notice, so you have to ask for information and updates about the departure. It might not really practical and take a long time to get to Raja Ampat, but once you arrive and see the wonderful scenery here, you will forget the long flights you should take.

Where do I Fly for Diving Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat consists of 4 big islands and around 1500 islets. So, you might get confused about where you should go and maybe you will ask yourself, “Where do I fly for diving Raja Ampat?” Don’t get confused as there are many places in Raja Ampat that is worth to visit. But of course, some of the reefs are more interesting than others.

If you want to meet huge manta rays with wingspans over 5m, then Manta Sandy is the perfect place. It is located between Mansuar and Aroberk Island. If you want to swim between schools of fish swimming around the Sardine Reef is where you should go next. So many fish lives here that it might get dark due to the abundant amount of fish. It is located northeast to Kri Island with 33 m depth. So, make sure that you are an experienced diver before you jump into the ocean.

Waters around Kri Island are also rich in brightly-colored coral. The combination of colorful corals and pretty fishes is really stunning and famous among underwater photographers. So, if you are an underwater photographer, you might want to try visiting this amazing place. However, if you can’t dive and can only swim, you don’t need to worry. There are shallow reefs around that allow you to snorkel. Even if you don’t want to play in the sea, the lands are also amazing to explore.

Stay in Diving Resort to Make the Most of Your Vacation

Aside from thinking about where to dive in Raja Ampat, you should also think about where to stay to make the most of your vacation. There are many kinds of accommodation available here with a various range of price. There are resorts that provide comfort and luxury with a higher range of price, but you can also find the more affordable homestays. You just need to choose one that suits your needs and budgets.

There are diving and eco-resort that provides a better experience for divers. They usually provide well-kept diving equipment along with guides that will take you to great diving spots. Eco-resort and biodiversity resort offers not only a diving package but also an eco-friendly approach in doing their business. Some of them even doubled as a conservation center such as Misool Eco Resort Raja Ampat.

Aside from the diving package, resorts in Raja Ampat also provide an amazing view since most of their bungalows are built over the sea water. Combined with the beautiful scenery of the ocean, lush forests and sunrise or sunset, you will be guaranteed of feeling amazing experience you’ve never felt before. You can even swim in the sea directly in front of your room anytime you want. They also provide fresh and quality food. Something that you wouldn’t want to miss.

Now, with the information above, you should have the overview of how you can visit Raja Ampat and where to stay during your visit to Raja Ampat. Once you find a place to stay, you can ask the guide in the resort to take you to the best place to dive. You don’t have to confuse yourself with questions like “where do I fly for diving Raja Ampat” or “where should I stay during your visit” since you must have a variety of alternatives now.